If you want a short trip packed with historic sites and delicious bites, this eight-day adventure fits the bill. Get to know Italy's 'Eternal City' (Rome), hike up Mt Vesuvius volcano on the Bay of Naples and witness the aftermath of the 79 AD eruption on a guided tour of Pompeii. Then soak up the sunshine in the coastal town of Sorrento, taste limoncello from the source and hike along the beautiful Amalfi Coast. With archaeological sites, gelato making workshops, pizza tastings and a local leader to share their culture, you're all set for a taste of la dolce vita.
- Day 1 - Rome
Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. There are no activities planned until your welcome meeting at 6 pm, but there are plenty of things to do in Italy’s capital if you arrive early – the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – so arriving early is recommended. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes or sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city (Trastevere is a great spot for dining). For those captivated by the Eternal City, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit. For dinner, why not head out with your group and get to know each other?
Special information: It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
If you'd like to visit the Vatican Museum, please check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on opening times. You should plan your visit for today before the welcome meeting and pre-book your tickets at: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en.html. The Vatican Museum is closed some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). Please consider this when booking the trip.
Tickets for Galleria Borghese can also be booked online. It's recommended that you arrive as soon as the museum opens to allow enough time inside and to avoid crowds.
If you're interested in visiting the Colosseum, we strongly advise planning your visit before the welcome meeting and pre-booking your tickets at: https://colosseo.it/en/opening-times-and-tickets/.
- Day 2 - Naples / Pompeii
Travel by train to Naples, a city brimming with passion and gastronomy. Naples has been shaped by many empires and civilisations throughout history, including the Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the famous Spanish Quarter remains one of Europe’s most densely populated residential areas. Join your leader for an orientation walk around the city centre and the Spanish Quarter, finishing with a pizza tasting – Naples is the birthplace of pizza, after all! You'll also partake in the Neapolitan custom of caffe sospeso, a gesture of anonymous charity while paying for coffee. Later this afternoon, board a train to the time capsule of Pompeii. Your accommodation tonight is conveniently located near the entrance to the archaeological excavation site.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
If you'd like to visit the statue of Veiled Christ, please plan it for the early afternoon.
- Day 3 - Pompeii
The small town of modern Pompeii has a wonderful square in Old Town – the perfect place to spend some time with the locals, drink an authentic Italian coffee and watch the world go by. Today’s highlight is a guided tour of the ruins of ancient Pompeii. Until 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying 2000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the ruins were rediscovered in the late 16th century. The immaculately preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and markets, and provide insights into how Romans lived and worked 2000 years ago. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or if you like, you can visit the nearby Herculaneum, renowned for its fossilised archaeological treasures.
- Day 4 - Mt Vesuvius / Sorrento
A private transfer will take you to the mighty Mt Vesuvius this morning, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Hike to the summit for 360-degree views over the Bay of Naples and peek inside the crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of lava. See firsthand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the resort town of Sorrento. People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2000 years. There are many options in this small seaside town with its piazzas, maze of old streets, cafes and shops. Sorrento is also famous for its lemon groves, which produce the famous limoncello, and you’ll enjoy a tasting of the liqueur this evening.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
The final ascent of the volcano must be made on foot via a steep but well-made trail of volcanic ash and gravel. The ascent takes around 45 minutes, and wearing comfortable closed shoes is essential. Those who suffer from vertigo may prefer to opt out.
- Day 5 - Sorrento
You have a free day to explore the cliffside town of Sorrento. Maybe stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the small beaches. Visiting Capri is another option, accessible by a hydrofoil. Natural grottoes dot Capri’s rugged coastline, but go inland and you’ll find narrow roads that wind through fragrant citrus groves and villages of flat-roofed white houses. In Capri, you could also take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence thanks to the refraction of sunlight outside. End the day the Italian way with a gelato making demonstration with your group.
- Day 6 - Amalfi Coast
Arrive at the Amalfi Coast after a short journey by private vehicle. The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coastlines, clifftop towns, bright blue seas and tiered olive groves. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi town to the other and visit the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you want something more active, maybe head to the Valley of Mills. Alternatively, catch a bus up to the Valley of Dragons to reach the town of Ravello – its lofty position and dry climate have attracted writers, artists, musicians and travellers for centuries. Tonight, you'll stay in Minori, just a 15-minute bus ride from Amalfi (the bus fare is included). Minori is quieter than the tourist hotspots while still being just a short walk from the beach.
Special information: Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
- Day 7 - Positano / Amalfi Coast
This morning, take a short bus ride to Bomerano. Here, your leader will take you for a half-day hike along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (Path of the Gods) which was historically used by farmers, mules and donkeys. The path winds through diverse scenery with unrivalled views of the coast. Walk through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards, past ancient stone huts and beside sheer granite cliffs. See local farmers tending their crops by hoe and herds of goats grazing along the trail. You’ll finish up in Positano, where you'll have time to explore and maybe take a dip in the sea before returning to Minori by ferry and bus. As tonight marks your final evening together, maybe gather your group for a celebratory feast to cap off your Italian adventure.
Special information: Your trekking time today will be approximately 5 hours or 10 km. The Path of the Gods is steep in places and has many stairs (the descent to Positano has more than 1500 steps) and can be challenging if you suffer from vertigo. Your leader can suggest alternative activities should you wish to opt out.
The ferry from Positano operates on seasonal schedules and may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions. In these cases, you'll take the bus.
- Day 8 - Amalfi Coast
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your trip, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
